McCain calls F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program a 'tragedy'

In his speech McCain sketched the 10-year history of the embattled program, describing mechanical problems and budget overruns that have plagued development. The senior senator from Arizona also argued that the aircraft's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, has charged the U.S. taxpayer vast sums for fixing problems that were in fact its own fault or that should have been included in original budget estimates.

"Lockheed Martin must be held increasingly accountable for cost overruns that come as a result of wringing out necessary changes in the design and manufacturing process for this incredibly expensive aircraft," said McCain.